Nothing heralds the start of the festive season like the yuletide markets. A highlight of the holiday season is planning a trip to visit a European Christmas market, of which there are hundreds to choose from.
All around the continent you can find chalets and stalls selling everything from decorations to delicious food.
But which destinations should be top of your list of places to visit?
Here are the top three Christmas markets in Europe, which are visited by scores of tourists each year.
For Food – Bruges
Christmas is the perfect excuse to indulge in festive food. The picturesque Belgian village of Bruges is known for its delicacies – think marzipan sweets, steaming hot waffles, and, of course, world-famous Belgian chocolate. The town itself is a real-life Christmas card, filled with icy canals, ancient timber houses and cobbled passages.
For Couples – Innsbruck
Innsbruck in winter is one of the most romantic destinations you could possibly imagine. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, the Old Town markets are found underneath the Golden Roof and flanked by medieval houses. Wander around the stalls to pick up handmade gifts, Christmas ornaments and sample traditional treats such as Glüwein (mulled wine) and Kiachlin (hot doughnuts with Sauerkraut). You’ll even find mistletoe for a sneaky kiss with your loved one.
For Kids – Nuerenberg
Known as the ‘Christmas City’, Nuremberg is a great getaway for families. Since 1999, there has been a special Christmas market just for children, with a vintage merry-go-round, Ferris wheel and mini-houses where kids can bake gingerbread men, write letters to Santa and make Christmas present candles. The star of the market is the Christkind, a beautiful girl dressed as angel who reads fairytales to the children. Germany has plenty of Christmas markets – fly into nearby Munich and take a look around.
For Presents – Barcelona
Barcelona’s Christmas market on the Avenida de la Catedral is a great place to shop around for some unique presents. Just in front of the cathedral in the Gothic area of town are hundreds of stalls selling decorations and handmade gifts. Many stalls specialise in ‘figuritas de Bélén’, miniature figurines used to create elaborate nativity scenes. They are a common gift in Catalan culture, with many people collecting new pieces every year. Another popular present is the Tió de Nadal, a small wood log with a painted smiley face and red sock-nose. View more tips on my Barcelona travel guide.
For Culture – Naples
One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is the nativity scene – a Christmas decoration Naples prides itself on. ‘Presepi’ as they’re called in Italian, are placed everywhere throughout the town, and range in scale from the very simple to huge works of art. There is even a market dedicated to handcrafted scenes on Via San Gregorio Armeno, a charming alley filled with nativity scene shops. View more Italy travel tips.
For the True Christmas Spirit – Strasburg
Just close to the German border, the French city of Strasbourg has one of the most spectacular Christmas markets in the world. Dating back to the 16th century, these markets have enchanted millions who come to Strasbourg to see the magical lights, ornate decorations and the enormous Christmas tree. There are over 300 different chalets spread across 11 different ‘villages’, with the heart at the Place de la Cathédrale. There are also free concerts, shows, choirs and carollers to entertain you on your visit to this winter wonderland.
Its never too early to start planning a Christmas market getaway – now’s the perfect time to book to get the best deals on flights and accommodation! Which magical market is on your wishlist this year? Let me know in the comments section below.
